Many companies have accelerated their plans to become digital-first businesses over the past few years, developing the cloud-based foundations needed for digital transformation. The global pandemic has only amplified this urgency. As we move into 2021, digital transformation remains a high priority as both customers and employees increasingly expect digitized and automated processes.

In that spirit, here are four companies that are using cloud technology and services to support their digital transformations.

Broadridge improves productivity by up to 30%

Broadridge operates an equity-based transaction system that’s used by 18 of the 23 largest exchange dealers on the New York Stock Exchange. When the company experienced infrastructure failures, its leaders knew it was time to prioritize digital transformation and move from a traditional IT architecture to a dedicated, private cloud. To reliably manage the $6 trillion in transactions processed through its platform every day, Broadridge decided to use IBM iSeries cloud technology for its critical daily processes.

Broadridge worked with IBM Services to create a custom project plan that carefully considered every aspect of the migration. The IBM team created a benchmark center to prove that the new, scalable cloud architecture could deliver the reliability and speed needed for Broadridge’s business-critical systems. The migration met its aggressive schedule of seven weekends—instead of the typical seven to nine months—and was completed with zero downtime. Broadridge saw results immediately, with up to 30% faster processing of daily transaction batches.

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Next up, Broadridge leadership is looking to continue its digital transformation through cloud. The private iSeries cloud technology allows Broadridge to replicate the platform in the company’s global markets. Future milestones in its digital transformation journey include adding to its application toolset, modernizing solutions, adopting AI and evaluating blockchain.

SimCorp saves money through a SaaS model

When SimCorp began receiving requests from clients to switch from a traditional software model to a software-as-a-service model, the Danish investment management software company turned to IBM to help develop a version of SimCorp’s flagship product on IBM Cloud. The resulting cloud-based service meets compliance and availability requirements without requiring infrastructure outlay by clients.

SimCorp’s new solution provides its customers with an easy-to-configure setup, and they only pay for services they use. With built-in automation, SimCorp can add features for a client with a click of a button, which increases sales and productivity.

Building on its momentum, SimCorp plans to move additional products and clients to the cloud as it continues on its digital journey.

Japan Airlines replaces legacy architecture with virtualized infrastructure

Legacy infrastructure and applications can often hold companies back. As Japan Airlines and its IT subsidiary JAL INFOTEC began pursuing the goal of becoming a truly global airline with sustainable growth, they were hindered by their infrastructure’s old system architecture. Leaders quickly realized that the company needed an infrastructure that would unify its siloed systems and easily scale as the business grew. Working with IBM Services, JAL developed an integrated private and public cloud featuring hybrid cloud management.

The automation built into the system frees up engineers to spend more time focusing on designing and developing new systems. Moving forward, JAL plans to accelerate its use of multicloud systems throughout all business functions, including human resources, governance, security and systems infrastructure.

BRF reduces lead time from days to weeks

Many organizations view digital transformation as simply moving applications and data to the cloud. BRF, one of the largest producers of fresh and frozen foods in the world, saw firsthand this year that that is just the first step.

At the beginning of its digital transformation, BRF migrated 70% of its applications to the cloud. However, its IT organization soon realized that in order to improve the speed of internal invoicing, it needed to replace its inefficient, manual way of tracking cloud costs and usage with a single view.

BRF worked with IBM Services to create a single, consolidated dashboard that gives BRF ongoing visibility into its cloud assets and current and projected costs. After bringing 20,000 assets into the tool, BRF reduced the lead time across its IT organization from weeks to days to consolidate, distribute and verify department costs. After realizing the benefits of using advanced cloud technology, BRF has opted to continue its digital transformation through an ongoing IBM project to use chatbots and automation in other processes.

The global pandemic caused a sudden shift in priorities and increased digital requirements, and the forward progress made by these companies positions them for the future. By strategically navigating their digital transformations, organizations can increase productivity, revenue and customer loyalty in 2021 and beyond.

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